The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 232
Translated by Pure
Chapter 232 Solitude: Parting with Wen Yantong (2)
In the days leading up to the departure, Chi Jingxi found himself immersed in such overwhelming busyness that he had no opportunity to meet with Wen Yantong. Despite assurances that the situation in Yibei wasn't overly dire, the prospect of heading to the battlefield for combat was no trivial matter. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Chi Jingxi couldn't afford to neglect any aspect of the preparations.
Due to Chi Jingxi's intervention, there was a significant reshuffling of the high-ranking military officers originally assigned to go to Yibei. Nearly all of the initial troops were replaced. Ultimately, Chi Jingxi assumed the role of the leading Commander-in-Chief, with Fu Zixian serving as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief. Accompanying them were two seasoned generals who had long fought alongside Mu Yuan, offering their assistance.
The night before his departure, Chi Jingxi visited Wen Residence.
It was already quite late, and Wen Yantong, thinking that Chi Jingxi might not come again, had fallen asleep while waiting.
Chi Jingxi gently opened her door, standing silently in front of the bed, observing her sleeping face. Illuminated by the warm light, Wen Yantong's countenance appeared serene and tranquil, managing to calm the subtle restlessness in Chi Jingxi's heart.
He knelt down slowly, examining her closely, committing her appearance to memory. Wen Yantong appeared to be in a deep and undisturbed sleep, seemingly unaware of his presence.
Chi Jingxi gazed at her for a prolonged moment before uttering in a soft voice, "Third Young Lady Fu went to the temple to pray for Fu Zixian's well-being and got him a peace charm. Why didn't you give me anything?"
Naturally, there was no response.
After a considerable pause, Chi Jingxi added, "Never mind, they are useless things anyway. You can make it up when I come back."
Kneeling beside Wen Yantong's bed for an extended period, Chi Jingxi's body grew a bit stiff. Upon turning around, he noticed the light filtering in, signaling the arrival of dawn. Realizing that soldiers and horses awaited him, he gently placed a hand by Wen Yantong's forehead. Planting a soft kiss on her face, he uttered softly, "I'm leaving."
He then departed from the bedroom.
As the door closed behind him, Wen Yantong’s long eyelashes slightly twitched, and a tear slid from the corner of her eye.
She was determined not to bid farewell to Chi Jingxi in tears and burden him with her selfish emotions ahead of the country's interests.
For Chi Jingxi to leave, he had to do so with confidence and ease. If he were to draw a sword, it must be wielded cleanly and decisively.
In the early sixth lunar month, this contingent of soldiers and horses departed from Chaoge discreetly, with hardly anyone being aware of their departure.
Wen Yantong continued attending classes at the Academy as usual. However, this time, there was no presence of the gentle and reserved Fu Zixian, nor the day-long antics of the mischievous Mu Yang. A substantial void seemed to envelop her surroundings, leaving it eerily empty.
After school that day, Zhang Jieran, who had come specifically from Class One of Jia, intercepted Wen Yantong as she was about to leave.
Observing his flushed face and beads of sweat rolling off the tip of his nose, she inquired curiously, "Why are you in such a hurry?"
Zhang Jieran took a couple of gasps and said, "I heard that Fu gongzi and the Little Marquis have gone on a journey. Moreover, Young Master Mu hasn't been to the Academy for a few days. Thinking you might be alone, I wanted to accompany you for a meal."
Upon hearing this, Wen Yantong couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth in her heart. "I'm not a child anymore. I don't need someone to accompany me for meals or anything."
Zhang Jieran replied, "It's human nature to form companionships. Besides, I've noticed you're rarely alone. I was concerned that you might not be accustomed to sudden solitude."
Wen Yantong was genuinely moved. She couldn't believe that Zhang Jieran, a bookworm, would show such consideration for her. Grateful, she said, "Thank you for your concern. What do you feel like eating today? I'll treat you."
Zhang Jieran wiped the sweat from the tip of his nose and responded, "We can choose according to your taste. I’m alright with anything."
And so, their companionship continued.
Wen Yantong repeatedly told him not to rush from Class One of Jia to Sixth of Ding every time, but Zhang Jieran insisted, claiming that he would worry if she were left alone. Though Wen Yantong suspected that Zhang Jieran might have been entrusted by someone to look after her more in the Academy, he remained a straightforward and genuine companion, steadfastly sticking by her side.
Wen Yantong was reluctant to let Zhang Jieran go through so much trouble to find her every day. Zhang Jieran's time was dedicated to reading and studying, and she didn't want him to waste a single second. Despite her numerous attempts to persuade him, he remained steadfast. Frustrated, Wen Yantong decided to take matters into her own hands and simply ran away right after class.
She expected Zhang Jieran to relent, but the next day, the bookworm dashed out of his classroom as if participating in a 100-meter sprint, heading straight for Class Six of Ding. Li Boyuan happened to have some unfinished content, causing a brief delay in dismissing the class, so everyone watched as Zhang Jieran hurriedly arrived at the door.
Thus, Wen Yantong's attempt to avoid Zhang Jieran turned into a complete defeat.
Wen Yantong could still contend with someone as naive as Mu Yang, but there was truly nothing she could do against someone as determined and steadfast as Zhang Jieran.
Speaking of Mu Yang, Wen Yantong couldn't help but sigh. Mu Yang seemed to have invested all his life's wisdom to deceive his father. Just two days after Chi Jingxi and his group departed from Chaoge, Mu Yang slipped out of Mu Yuan's grasp and made a beeline for Yibei.
Wen Yantong realized he couldn't stop Mu Yang, given the numerous opportunities he had to escape. The boy had firmly decided to head to Yibei, and if Mu Yang identified any gap, he would slip away like a slippery loach.
Mu Yuan was furious to the point of seething, but surprisingly, Mu Yang displayed some intelligence this time. Instead of immediately catching up with Chi Jingxi's team, he covertly trailed their journey, only revealing himself as they approached Yibei. This strategic move prevented anyone from restraining him and sending him back to Chaoge due to the considerable distance.
…
During the last week of the sixth lunar month, Cheng Xin, who had been occupied with various tasks, unexpectedly appeared and paid her a visit in person.
Initially apprehensive of Cheng Xin, Wen Yantong believed he was a crafty and deceptive individual, akin to a smiling tiger. However, upon getting to know him, she realized that Cheng Xin was genuinely gentle-natured. Unlike the reserved Fu Zixian, Cheng Xin was articulate and skilled at forging connections.
He treated Wen Yantong with considerable kindness.
This time, Cheng Xin approached mainly due to Chi Jingxi's entrusted task before his departure. To attend to Wen Yantong's well-being, Cheng Xin sought out a secluded spot and offered her a cup of sweet tea.
Wen Yantong curiously inquired, "Why is Your Highness seeking this humble one?" as she reached for the sweet tea.
Cheng Xin then calmly stated after a momentary pause, "I will arrange for someone to burn your bedroom in two days."
The unexpected revelation caused Wen Yantong to gasp and nearly tip over her tea cup. She cautiously questioned, "Your Highness, what is your…. meaning?"
Cheng Xin explained with a smile, "Danli should have informed you about this; it's related to the substitution of the death row prisoner."
Upon this clarification, Wen Yantong nodded in comprehension and remarked, "Already?"
She mentally calculated the days and realized that Chi Jingxi had been away for more than half a month. Remembering his prior explanation before departure, she trusted Fifth Highness's competence to handle the matter and had not been overly concerned. The prompt execution of the plan, however, caught her somewhat off guard.
Cheng Xin instructed, "Pack all your things secretly in the next two days. Two nights later, I will send someone to knock on your door. Just follow them out. You won't have to attend Songhai Academy again after."
Wen Yantong nodded, asking, "Then what will the Academy do after I fake my death?"
Cheng Xin explained, "Although there is no precedent, they would probably give your parents a compensation payment and organize a simple funeral for you."
Wen Yantong inquired further, "What if they go to Chang'an..."
Cheng Xin assured her, "Don't worry, Danli has already sent people to make arrangements in Chang'an. You just need to move out of the Academy."
Since he had already explained everything, Wen Yantong had nothing more to ask. They had arranged things in detail, considering every aspect, so naturally, there was no part that she had to worry about.
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The author has something to say:
[Before Mu Yang's departure, he took four hours to carefully compose a farewell letter to his father, Mu Yuan.]:
"Dad, the verdant hills endure, yet the limpid waters will persist to flow."
[Upon reading the letter, the recipient experienced a whirlwind of emotions.]
Mu Yuan: Unfilial son! Unfilial son!!
